Dormont Borough Council Supercommittee Meeting - October 19, 2026

The Borough Council Supercommittee met on October 19, 2026 at 6:00 PM. Council members present: Downs, Favis, Kip, Melvin, Rieger, Ventresca; Councilman Munson was absent due to military training. Borough Manager John Stinner provided updates. No registered comments were submitted at the start. The meeting covered recreation, finance, property, and public comments.

Recreation and Community Affairs Committee

• Motion to Award Borough of Dormont Recreation Plan to Pashek MTR Pursuant to DCNR Waiver: Manager John explained the borough had an existing DCNR grant and needed to waive the RFP and award to Pashek MTR, then apply for an extension. Council agreed to add the extension as an agenda item for the next supercommittee meeting. The motion carried.
• Motion to Approve Use of Public Goods Funds of $2,700 for Christmas Lights in Hillsdale Park for Home for the Holidays: Council President Downs allocated funds for lighting a large tree in Hillsdale Park for the December 4, 2026 event (6-8 PM, tree lighting at 6:30). The cost includes installation and removal. $700 was noted as carryover from the previous year. The motion passed.

Finance & Legal Committee

• Motion to Authorize Advertisement and Display of 2027 Borough of Dormont Budget: This routine step follows a capital review meeting and legally requires a 30-day public display. Approved.
• Motion to Approve Sale of 2008 Sutphen Shield Pumper, VIN 159A1BLD781003051, to Powhatan County, VA for $120,000: The transaction was previously approved pending paperwork; council confirmed the sale. The MOU with firefighters was not prepared and will be on the next agenda. Approved.

Property, Supplies, and Public Works Committee

• Motion to Approve Purchase of Potomac Avenue Street Lights via Act 129 Rebate Program: Discussion centered on aesthetics and cost. Manager John presented the option as a tenth of the price of alternatives. Councilmembers Kip, Ventresca, and Downs strongly opposed, citing harm to Potomac Avenue's charm and character. Councilmember Melvin noted the cost savings but supported tabling. Others agreed to explore other options, including potential grants. The motion was tabled without a vote.

Discussion Items

• Councilmember Ventresca noted her public goods funds allocated for a library event rental of the rec center were no longer needed due to cancellation; the funds will be returned.
• Council explained Councilman Munson's absence as due to ongoing military training; he is expected back later in October.

Public Comments & Testimony

• First Speaker (resident and property owner): Addressed severe lack of multi-municipal coordination regarding the proposed "four more junction vertical complex." Cited a Right to Know certification in which the borough manager stated the administration holds zero records, math formulas, or engineering studies on residential flow impact. Raised concerns about a 12:1 student ratio in Keystone Oaks School District and financial strain on property owners. Requested an immediate freeze on contract steps until a comprehensive school district capacity audit is conducted.
• Second Speaker (long-time zoning participant): Commented on negotiations among Dormont, PRT (Port Authority), and the developer for the TOD district with no parking requirement. Urged council to protect Dormont's interests during negotiations and asked whether the final agreement would be available for public review before signing. Council responded affirmatively.

Key Outcomes

• Recreation plan award (Pashek MTR) approved, with extension to be added to next agenda.
• Christmas lights funding approved for Hillsdale Park.
• 2027 budget advertisement and fire truck sale approved.
• Potomac Avenue street lights purchase tabled for further study.
• Public comments noted; no immediate action taken. Council will continue negotiations on the development agreement and consider school capacity concerns.